Our Top 3 Destinations for a Cozy Fall Getaway
September 27, 2022
After a hot summer, the change of seasons is finally upon us, the fiery fall colors are already popping in the higher elevations, the smell of pumpkin spice latte and wood-burning fires fills the air, and we’re already propping our homes with harvest-inspired décor, unpacking our snug sweaters, beanies, and boots, and dreaming of a cozy fall getaway.
Our top destinations for a cozy fall getaway offer the best of both worlds – a cozy fall retreat with options for all the creature comforts your bank balance allows, and unique outdoor experiences to reconnect with loved ones and immerse yourselves in the full splendor of the fall season.
While it may be tempting to leaf-peep from home … cozied up fireside in sweats and a chunky sweater, or side by side in a bubbling hot tub nestled in the fall foliage leaves, we love a good adventure and our Xplorie guests do too!
Park City, Utah
Just a short scenic 30 mile drive from Salt Lake City, Park City Utah is easily accessible for a cozy fall getaway and simply spectacular amid the golden autumn glow. Whether you’re cruising Utah’s scenic byways, adventuring in a nearby state park, or dining on one of Park City’s fabulous fall patios on the ski slopes, you’re surrounded by picture perfect views of golden aspen groves, fiery maples, and Utah’s majestic Wasatch Mountain peaks.
Find a cozy fall retreat in Deer Valley, Canyons, or in the heart of Park City with our Xplorie partner, iTrip Park City, and pack your itinerary full of our favorite fall foliage experiences!
Water Activities at Jordanelle State Park
Located above the Heber Valley, Jordanelle State Park is a beautiful spot to see Utah’s fall colors and get on the water! The temperatures are cooler, the mountain setting is serene, and Jordanelle Rentals & Marina have all the gear for a day on the water, free with Xplorie! Rental options range from kayak, paddleboards, fishing boats, and large group pontoons to exhilarating jet ski and ski boat rentals for tubing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing. However you choose to cruise Jordanelle Reservoir, it’s a fun way to spend a day leaf-peeping in Park City.
Horse Riding in the Heber Valley
Take a tranquil trail ride through the gorgeous Heber Valley countryside with KB Horses at Red Ledges. All rides are private, custom-tailored to meet your riding abilities and begin with a lesson to acquaint you with their beautiful mountain horses. If you prefer to stay grounded, ask about their authentic and romantic wagon rides through the colorful Heber Valley countryside, led by magnificent Clydesdale horses.
Fall Foliage Zipline Tours
You’ll be far from the ground on a fall foliage zipline tour of Utah’s Deer Creek State Park! Zipline Utah is rated Utah’s most unique adventure activity and is the ultimate leaf-peeping experience for adventure-seeking couples. Zipline tours include Out and Back, The Kingfisher, Soaring with Eagles, and Screaming Falcon – the longest zipline over water in the world! Deer Creek State Park is also a popular spot for boating, fall fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and kiteboarding to keep the adrenaline rush triggered.
Charleston, South Carolina
There’s no cozier place than Charleston for a charming fall getaway. Ranked the most romantic city in the US, Charleston truly celebrates the autumn tradition with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, classic Lowcountry cuisine, and fantastic fall festivities. Strolling hand in hand along the lantern-lit cobblestone streets of Charleston, paddling the waterways, and snuggling up oceanfront on Seabrook Island sounds kind of cozy to us!
Barrier Island Eco-Adventures
Bundle up, pack a romantic picnic basket for two (and a flask of your favorite hot cocktails to keep you warm), and sail into an insta-worthy Lowcountry sunset on a dolphin discovery sunset cruise with Barrier Island Eco Tours. With bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles swimming alongside, the sun dipping behind the serene marshlands, and free time to explore the wilderness of Capers Island famous boneyard beach, the Barrier Island Sunset Dolphin Cruise is one for your cozy fall getaway bucket list.
Walking Tours of Charleston
Bulldog Tours are known for their award-winning after-dark ghost tours, ranking among the top 20 ghost tours in the US – not to be missed for a haunted Halloween night, but not great for leaf-peeping fall foliage! Their two hour walking tour however takes you through Charleston’s charming historic district with secret gardens, churches and graveyards, and avenues of ancient live oaks dripping with Spanish moss.
Bike the Lowcountry Trails
Our favorite way to discover a new destination is on two wheels! Head off the beaten path to explore Charleston’s top attractions on an e-bike tour with Rebellion Roads. Cruise the Charleston Harbor, the top filming locations on the Outer Banks, or take the Shore Tour to watch the dolphins and shrimp boats in Shem Creek. If you’re seeking seclusion for romance, rent a classic cruiser for a sunrise or sunset beach bike ride on Kiawah or Seabrook Island.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Fall is officially known as the Cape’s second summer – the weather is warm, the coastal roads and beaches are quiet, and glorious shades of flaming fall colors, crimson cranberry bogs, and golden salt marshes abound in the Cape’s forests and tree-lined trails. Spend leisurely days beachcombing the Cape Cod National Seashore, shopping local farmers’ markets, dining alfresco, getting outdoors with free Xplorie activities, or simply leaf-peeping from the front porch of your cozy Cape Cod retreat.
Whale Watching Cruises
The best whale watching in the world happens right here in Cape Cod! Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary off Cape Cod Bay is one of the world’s finest whale feeding grounds and ranks among the top 10 places on the planet for whale sightings. What a way to spend a fall day on Cape Cod! Our award-winning partner, Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises, has been selected Best of the Cape & Islands since 2014, there’s no better company to introduce you to the magnificent mammals of Cape Cod.
Paddle the Bays & Estuaries
Paddling the scenic bays and estuaries is a popular pastime on Cape Cod. Rideaway Adventures are our go to company on Cape Cod for unique nature-based experiences, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, and great customer service! Adventure off alone to leaf peep the fall foliage with your loved one or discover the best of Cape Cod on a guided tour. While the daytime Explorer Kayak tour is the ultimate for fall foliage and wildlife viewing – we love the sunset or full moon adventure kayak tours for a cozy fall getaway.
Ride the Cape Cod Trails
As you know, we love a good bike ride too and Cape Cod is blessed with miles of beautiful bike paths to explore together, stop to wine and dine at quaint village eateries, and soak up the sights of fall foliage as you take a casual cruise. Cruise the Old King’s Highway along the shoreline of the bay, the famous Cape Cod Rail Trail, or simply buzz about town together making memories. Xplorie partners with the Dennis Cycle Center on the Cape Cod Rail Trail in the Mid-Cape and PTown Bikes in Provincetown to get you on the trails with ease!
Wherever you and your loved ones choose to get cozy this fall, make the most of your autumn adventures with the best places to stay and play from Xplorie.
